Hurricanes coach Al Golden has goals set for spring

New coach wants high-intensity practices

February 21, 2011|By Steve Gorten, Sun Sentinel

When the Hurricanes start spring football practice on March 5, coach Al Golden will have his first chance to get down to work on the field.

"After watching three of the [bowl] practices, the first thing we have to do is change the speed and overall tempo of the practice," Golden said. "And the energy and enthusiasm that I witnessed in the previous practices, I'd like to enhance that. We want to be an up-tempo, better-conditioned team.

"We have to become a tougher team. The third thing would be being smarter, more disciplined."

Golden said in addition to Jordan Futch moving back to linebacker after experimenting at tight end during bowl practices, Cory White has moved from offensive line to tight end. Golden said no decisions had been made on any players not returning, including linebacker Kevin Nelson.

Quick hits

The Hurricanes, who lost their top three cornerbacks from last season, signed two corners earlier this month. It appears they're bringing in another.

Former Wake Forest corner Michael Williams told InsideTheU.com on Monday that he will transfer to Miami. Williams, who will graduate from Wake in May, won't have to sit out a season as a transfer because he'll be a graduate student at UM. He has one year of eligibility left.

As a redshirt sophomore in 2009, Williams started the first four games, then suffered an injury and didn't regain his spot. He didn't play any games in 2010. A Wake Forest spokesman said Monday that Williams was dismissed from the team. …

Miami guard Shenise Johnson was named ACC Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the second consecutive week and third time this season. Johnson is the only player in the ACC to rank in the top 10 in points, rebounds and assists.